Top Holiday Destinations For Men

Few activities strengthen male bonding as effortlessly as a short trip with friends does—away from the daily mundane. Moviemakers take this seriously, and Bollywood’s Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, as well as Hollywood movies like The Hangover are tributes to this phenomenon. From frolicking on the beaches of Goa (DCH) to

getting chased by bulls in Spain (ZNMD), some destinations are tailor-made for bromance. We list the top 5 vacation spots you should go to with your buddies.

1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Close enough to plan a weekend trip, and far enough to be somewhere in the midst of the mountains, Manali’s reputation as a honeymoon destination is more myth than reality. Packed with a multitude of adventure sports from white-water rafting in the Beas River Valley to paragliding over the scenic hill station, this is the most cost-effective destination, if you are into playing in the great outdoors.

2. Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan, Thailand

A night-long musical extravaganza by the beaches of the beautiful Orient–replete with fire jugglers everywhere and a full moon hanging from the sky: this is what the Full Moon Party in the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand is all about. Famed for its huge gatherings (10,000-30,000 tourists from all over the world), yet infamous for the blatant abuse of drugs and alcohol (the famed ‘Thai Bucket’ being one of them), this is ‘the’ place to visit with your friends and let your hair down. If you care to venture outside the party scene, there are some beautiful health retreats at the nearby Haad Tien Bay, given there is time to detoxify after the party!

3. Beachlife Party, Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas

Another destination for young men looking to kick off their shoes is Las Vegas, more specifically in the poolside parties of the famous Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. While this Nevada city is synonymous to casinos and bright neon signboards, the parties here have also raised the bar for clubs in other states, literally! With your own poolside cabana and daybed, all done up in blue and purple – clink your glasses together, as a host of DJs set the tone for the party.

4. Oktoberfest, Germany

Speaking of clinking glasses, a bromance destination list would be incomplete without mentioning Oktoberfest, that too in the land where the tradition first started–Germany! Over 6 million people all across the globe throng Munich in mid-September annually for its 16-day long Epicurean gala. Around 8 million litres of alcohol (mainly beer, but also wine) are consumed by the visitors! All the beer served at Oktoberfest is locally brewed and has to pass strict criteria laid down by the Club of Munich Brewers. If you and your friends are partial to a pint of that good old ale, pack your bags and fly to Germany for your next trip. Auf Wiedersehen!

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

Of course there is more to holidaying than guzzling. For those who are entranced by ancient civilizations and breath-taking landscapes and also love trekking, the best place to head out with your pals is Machu Picchu, Peru. Steeped in Incan history, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – and for good reason. Incan ruins stand tall against the backdrop of the majestic Huayna Picchu mountains, and trekking enthusiasts converge here to walk through the famous Inca trail. There might not be a road to El Dorado (City of Gold), but once you climb your way to the top of the trail with your comrades by your side, the feeling of victory will be nothing less.

Needless to say, friendship does not require a place or time, but reconnecting with each other and nature over adventure or drinks will never run out of style.

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